Republicans are expected Friday to announce their candidate — or candidates — for the 118th Assembly District, according to Sandra L. Corey, the party's Jefferson County chairwoman.
Mrs. Corey declined Wednesday to confirm that St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia A. Ritchie is the party's choice for the vacant seat, despite Mrs. Ritchie being regarded as "absolutely the best candidate" Tuesday by Joshua K. FitzPatrick, a Republican Assembly Campaign Committee spokesman.
"We're just kind of weighing all sides," said Mrs. Corey.
Mrs. Ritchie, Jefferson County Legislator Philip N. Reed, R-Fishers Landing, and Canton Supervisor David T. Button are interested in the position.
"I think Patty is best situated to reclaim the seat. If she does decide to run, she'll probably get the support of a broad base of people throughout the district," Mr. Button said.
He did not close the book on his own chances or make an endorsement.
"I'm committed to restoring good government to this district. I would support Patty if we decided she was the best person to do this job," he said.
Mr. Reed did not return a phone call seeking comment Wednesday.
Mrs. Ritchie told party leaders and candidates May 1 that she is reconsidering a bid for the vacancy. She withdrew her name in March, citing contentment with the clerk's job and family obligations. Republican leaders deferred explanation to Mrs. Ritchie, who's attending a conference out of the area and has been unavailable for comment.
Mrs. Ritchie's March announcement — when a special election was a possibility — disappointed Republicans. She was the top vote-getter in an RACC poll, St. Lawrence County Chairwoman Janet L. Kelly said in March.
The state Board of Elections is trying to determine if that revelation is enough to require RACC to publicly disclose poll results. State law requires polls to be publicized if any portion is made available.
Meanwhile, Sean M. Hennessey, Jefferson's Democratic committee chairman, said his party has "at least two candidates" who are being considered for the 118th Assembly District.
"We're trying to figure out which is the better avenue to take," said Mr. Hennessey, who wouldn't rule out a primary. The chairman hoped to make an announcement by next Wednesday, but he said the party hadn't finalized a date.
Jefferson County Sheriff John P. Burns has expressed interest, while St. Lawrence County Legislators Tedra L. Cobb, D-Canton, and Massena Town Councilman John M. Wicke also are reportedly being considered.
Gregory M. Paquin, Massena, was considered a potential candidate for the Democratic line, but the first-term St. Lawrence County legislator said Wednesday that he didn't want to be away from family several days a week. He favors Massena Police Chief Timmy J. Currier, an independent seeking the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.
"I think he's the best guy out there for us," Mr. Paquin said.
Donald J. Lucas, a Massena fishing charter operator and Alcoa retiree, is also seeking the Working Families line. He is registered without party affiliation.
The assembly district predominately follows the St. Lawrence River, encompassing the towns between Cape Vincent and Massena. It also includes the city of Watertown and the towns of Canton and Potsdam.
The seat was previously held by Darrel J. Aubertine, a Cape Vincent Democrat who was elected to the state Senate in a Feb. 26 special election.
